Ethynyl derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) that may be used for the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson&#39;s disease, anxiety, emesis, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism, neuroprotection, cancer, depression and diabetes type 2.

This application is a continuation of International Application PCT/EP2016/066393, filed Jul. 11, 2016, which claims benefit of priority to European Application 15176854.6, filed Jul. 15, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl; -   R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group     may be in different positions; -   n is 0, 1 or 2; -   V/U are independently from each other O or CH₂, wherein V and U     cannot be simultaneously O; -   L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, to a racemic mixture, or to its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof.

It has been surprisingly been found that the compounds of general formula I are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4). Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GRM4 gene.

Together with GRM6, GRM7 and GRM8, mGluR4 belongs to group III of the Metabotropic glutamate receptor family, and is negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase via activation of the Gαi/o protein. It is expressed primarily on presynaptic terminals, functioning as an autoreceptor or heteroceptor and its activation leads to decreases in transmitter release from presynaptic terminals. mGluR4 is currently receiving much attention based primarily upon its unique distribution and the recent evidence that activation of this receptor plays key modulatory role in many CNS and non-CNS pathways (Celanire S, Campo B, Expert Opinion in Drug Discovery, 2012)

The similarity in the ligand binding domains of group III mGluRs creates a challenge for identifying selective orthosteric agonists of this receptor, although some progress has been made in this area. However, targeting positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) rather than orthosteric agonists provides a broader opportunity to identify molecules that are exclusively selective between mGluRs.

mGluR4 PAMs are emerging as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of motor (and non-motor) symptoms as well as a disease-modifying agent in Parkinson's disease through a non-dopaminergic approach.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). One consequence of the depletion of dopamine in this disease is a series of movement disorders, including bradykinesia, akinesia, tremor, gait disorders and problems with balance. These motor disturbances form the hallmark of PD, although there are many other non-motor symptoms that are associated with the disease. Early in the course of the disease, PD symptoms are effectively treated by dopamine replacement or augmentation, with the use of dopamine D2 receptor agonists, levodopa or monoamine oxidase B inhibitors. However, as the disease progresses these agents become less effective in controlling motor symptoms. Additionally, their use is limited by the emergence of adverse effects including dopamine agonist-induced dyskinesias. Consequently, there remains a need for new approaches to the treatment of PD that improve the effectiveness of the control of motor symptoms.

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach to Parkinson's disease. A member of the group III mGluRs, mGluR4 is predominantly a presynaptic glutamate receptor that is expressed in several key locations in the basal ganglia circuits that control movement. Activation of mGluR4 with group III-preferring agonists decreases inhibitory and excitatory post synaptic potentials, presumably by decreasing the release of GABA and glutamate, respectively.

The search for novel drugs that relieve motor symptoms of Parkinsonism whilst attenuating the ongoing degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons is of particular interest. Orthosteric mGluR4 agonist L-AP4 has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in a 6-OHDA rodent model of PD and first positive allosteric modulator (−)-PHCCC reduced nigrostriatal degeneration in mice treated with 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). These studies provide convincing preclinical evidence suggesting that mGluR4 activators constitute a valid approach not only for symptomatic treatments of PD, but also potentially as disease modifiers for this indication.

The neuroprotective effects of selective mGluR4 modulators was also described in Neuroreport, 19(4), 475-8, 2008, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci, USA, 100(23), 13668-73, 2003 and J. Neurosci. 26(27), 7222-9, 2006 and Mol. Pharmacol. 74(5), 1345-58, 2008.

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the world, and are co-morbid with Parkinson's disease (Prediger R, et al. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:115-24). Excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission is one important feature of anxiety pathophysiology. Based on presynaptic localization of mGluR4 in brain areas involved in anxiety and mood disorders, and dampening excessive brain excitability, the mGluR4 activators may represent a new generation of anxiolytic therapeutics (Eur. J. Pharmacol., 498(1-3), 153-6, 2004).

Addex has reported in 2010 that ADX88178 was active in two preclinical rodent models of anxiety: the marble burying test in mice and EPM in mice and rats. ADX88178 also displayed an anxiolytic-like profile in the rat EPM test after oral dosing.

mGluR4 modulators were also shown to exert anti-depressive actions (Neuropharmacology, 46(2), 151-9, 2004).

In addition, mGluR4 modulators were also shown to be involved in glucagon secretion inhibition (Diabetes, 53(4), 998-1006, 2004). Therefore, orthosteric or positive allosteric modulators of mGluR4 have potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes through its hypoglycemic effect.

Moreover, mGluR4 was shown to be expressed in prostate cancer cell-line (Anticancer Res. 29(1), 371-7, 2009) or colorectal carcinoma (Clin. Cancer Research, 11(9)3288-95, 2005). mGluR4 modulators may therefore have also potential role for the treatment of cancers.

Other proposed effects of mGluR4 PAM's can be expected for the treatment of emesis, obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia and autism.

Compounds of formula I are distinguished by having valuable therapeutic properties. They can be used in the treatment or prevention of disorders, relating to allosteric modulators for the mGluR4 receptor.

The most preferred indications for compounds which are allosteric modulators for the mGluR4 receptor are Parkinson's disease, anxiety, emesis, obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia, autism, neuroprotection, cancer, depression and type 2 diabetes.

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I and to their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, to these compounds as pharmaceutically active substances, to the processes for their production as well as to their use in the treatment or prevention of disorders, relating to allosteric modulators for the mGluR4 receptor, such as Parkinson's disease, anxiety, emesis, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism, neuroprotection, cancer, depression and diabetes type 2, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of formula I.

A further object of the present invention is a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Parkinson's disease, anxiety, emesis, obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia, autism, neuroprotection, cancer, depression and type 2 diabetes, which method comprises administering an effective amount of a compound of formula I to a mammal in need.

Furthermore, the invention includes all racemic mixtures, all their corresponding enantiomers and/or optical isomers, or analogues containing isotopes of hydrogen, fluorine, carbon, oxygen or nitrogen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

FIG. 1: Illustration of the experimental outline for mGlu4 PAM Ca2+ mobilization screening assay and the determination of EC₅₀ and % Emax values.

The following definitions of the general terms used in the present description apply irrespective of whether the terms in question appear alone or in combination.

As used herein, the term “lower alkyl” denotes a saturated straight- or branched-chain group containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, 2-butyl, t-butyl and the like. Preferred alkyl groups are groups with 1-4 carbon atoms.

The term “five or six membered heteroaryl group” is selected from

-   -   wherein these heteroaryl groups are attached to the right part         of the spiro group.

The following compounds of formula I may be provided according to the above definition:

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts” embraces salts with inorganic and organic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, methane-sulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like.

One embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula IA

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl; -   R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group     may be in different positions; -   L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof, for example:

-   (8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione -   (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-tetralin]-2,4-dione -   (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione -   (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-isoquinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione -   (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinazoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione -   (8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-ethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione -   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione -   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2-dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-indazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione     or -   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′-dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-indazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.

One further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula IB

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl; -   R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group     may be in different positions; -   L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof, for example:

-   (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-indane]-2,4-dione     or -   (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydrocyclopenta[b]pyridine-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.

One further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula IC

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl; -   R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group     may be in different positions; -   L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof, for example:

-   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[chromane-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione     or -   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[2,3-dihydropyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.

One further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula ID

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl; -   R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group     may be in different positions; -   L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof, for example the compound

-   (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,4′-isochromane]-2,4-dione.

One further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula IE

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl; -   R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group     may be in different positions; -   L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof, for example:

-   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-cyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione -   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′-dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione     or -   (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2-dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.

The preparation of compounds of formula I of the present invention may be carried out in sequential or convergent synthetic routes. Syntheses of the compounds of the invention are shown in the following scheme 1. The skills required for carrying out the reaction and purification of the resulting products are known to those skilled in the art. The substituents and indices used in the following description of the processes have the significance given herein before.

The compounds of formula I can be manufactured by the methods given below, by the methods given in the examples or by analogous methods. Appropriate reaction conditions for the individual reaction steps are known to a person skilled in the art. The reaction sequence is not limited to the one displayed in the schemes, however, depending on the starting materials and their respective reactivity the sequence of reaction steps can be freely altered. Starting materials are either commercially available or can be prepared by methods analogous to the methods given below, by methods described in references cited in the description or in the examples, or by methods known in the art.

The present compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be prepared by methods, known in the art, for example by the process variant described below, which process comprises

a) alkylating a compound of formula

with R¹—I in the presence of NaH or Cs₂CO₃ in DMF to a compound of formula

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl and the remaining substituents are described above, or if desired, converting the compounds obtained into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

The preparation of compounds of formula I is further described in more detail in scheme 1 and in examples 1-17.

Compounds of general formula I can be obtained for example by Sonogashira coupling of an appropriately substituted aniline or aminopyridine 1 with an appropriately substituted arylacetylene 2 to yield the desired ethynyl compounds of formula 3. Reacting ethynyl compounds of formula 3 with an appropriately substituted aminoester of formula 4 with phosgene or a phosgene equivalent such as triphosgene or carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) in presence or absence of a base such as triethylamine in a solvent such as DMF, toluene or dioxane forms the desired urea analogues of formula 5. Ring closure of 5 with a strong base such as NaH or KOtBu in a solvent like THF or DMF forms the desired pyrimidine-2,4-dione compounds of formula I-1. Introduction of the R² substituent (R²=lower alkyl) via alkylation forms the desired ethynyl-phenyl, ethynyl-pyridyl or ethynyl-isothiazolyl substituted pyrimidine-2,4-dione compound of general formula I (scheme 1).

Generally speaking, the sequence of steps used to synthesize the compounds of formula I can also be modified in certain cases.

Biological Assay and Data

Determination of EC₅₀ Values Using a Ca2+ Mobilization In Vitro Assay on Recombinant Human mGlu4 Expressed in HEK293 Cells:

A monoclonal HEK-293 cell line stably transfected with a cDNA encoding for the human mGlu4 receptor was generated; for the work with mGlu4 Positive Allosteric Modulators (PAMs), a cell line with low receptor expression levels and low constitutive receptor activity was selected to allow the differentiation of agonistic versus PAM activity. Cells were cultured according to standard protocols (Freshney, 2000) in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium with high glucose supplemented with 1 mM glutamine, 10% (vol/vol) heat-inactivated bovine calf serum, Penicillin/Streptomycin, 50 μg/ml hygromycin and 15 μg/ml blasticidin (all cell culture reagents and antibiotics from Invitrogen, Basel, Switzerland).

About 24 hrs before an experiment, 5×10⁴ cells/well were seeded in poly-D-lysine coated, black/clear-bottomed 96-well plates. The cells were loaded with 2.5 μM Fluo-4AM in loading buffer (1×HBSS, 20 mM HEPES) for 1 hr at 37° C. and washed five times with loading buffer. The cells were transferred into a Functional Drug Screening System 7000 (Hamamatsu, Paris, France), and 11 half logarithmic serial dilutions of test compound at 37° C. were added and the cells were incubated for 10-30 min. with on-line recording of fluorescence. Following this pre-incubation step, the agonist (2S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoic acid (L-AP4) was added to the cells at a concentration corresponding to EC₂₀ with on-line recording of fluorescence; in order to account for day-to-day variations in the responsiveness of cells, the EC₂₀ of L-AP4 was determined immediately ahead of each experiment by recording of a full dose-response curve of L-AP4.

Responses were measured as peak increase in fluorescence minus basal (i.e. fluorescence without addition of L-AP4), normalized to the maximal stimulatory effect obtained with saturating concentrations of L-AP4. Graphs were plotted with the % maximal stimulatory using XLfit, a curve fitting program that iteratively plots the data using Levenburg Marquardt algorithm. The single site competition analysis equation used was y=A+((B−A)/(1+((x/C)D))), where y is the % maximal stimulatory effect, A is the minimum y, B is the maximum y, C is the EC₅₀, x is the log 10 of the concentration of the competing compound and D is the slope of the curve (the Hill Coefficient). From these curves the EC₅₀ (drug concentration at which 50% of the maximal receptor activation was achieved), the Hill coefficient as well as the maximal response in % of the maximal stimulatory effect obtained with saturating concentrations of L-AP4 were calculated (see FIG. 1).

Positive signals obtained during the pre-incubation with the PAM test compounds (i.e. before application of an EC₂₀ concentration of L-AP4) were indicative of an agonistic activity, the absence of such signals were demonstrating the lack of agonistic activities. A depression of the signal observed after addition of the EC₂₀ concentration of L-AP4 was indicative of an inhibitory activity of the test compound.

List of Examples and Data:

EC₅₀ (nM) mGlu4 Eff. Structure Name PAM (%)  1

(8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H- isoquinoline-8,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′- dione 58 101  2

(6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3- pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1- methyl- spiro[hexahydropyrimidine- 6,1′-tetralin]-2,4-dione 52 101  3

(6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3- pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1- methyl- spiro[hexahydropyrimidine- 6,1′-indane]-2,4-dione 61  94  4

(5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[6,7- dihydrocyclopenta[b]pyridine- 5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 94 115  5

(5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro- 6H-quinoline-5,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′- dione 76 121  6

(5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro- 6H-isoquinoline-5,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 65 115  7

(5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro- 6H-quinazoline-5,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′- dione 65 115  8

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2- (3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]- 1′-methyl-spiro[chromane- 4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 88 145  9

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[2,3- dihydropyrano[2,3-b]pyridine- 4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 51 124 10

(6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3- pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1- methyl- spiro[hexahydropyrimidine- 6,4′-isochromane]-2,4-dione 43 118 11

(8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- ethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H- isoquinoline-8,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′- dione 114 130 12

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[1,5,6,7- tetrahydroindazole-4,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 51 152 13

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2- dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro- 5H-indazole-4,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 39 165 14

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′- dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro- 5H-indazole-4,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′- dione 75 151 15

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′- methyl-spiro[5,6,7,8- tetrahydro-1H-cyclohepta [c]pyrazole-4,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 54 133 16

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′- dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8- tetrahydrocyclohepta[c] pyrazole-4,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 34 137 17

(4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2- phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2- dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8- tetrahydrocyclohepta[c] pyrazole-4,6′- hexahydropyrimidine]- 2′,4′-dione 39 131

The compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can be used as medicaments, e.g. in the form of pharmaceutical preparations. The pharmaceutical preparations can be administered orally, e.g. in the form of tablets, coated tablets, dragees, hard and soft gelatine capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions. However, the administration can also be effected rectally, e.g. in the form of suppositories, or parenterally, e.g. in the form of injection solutions.

The compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can be processed with pharmaceutically inert, inorganic or organic carriers for the production of pharmaceutical preparations. Lactose, corn starch or derivatives thereof, talc, stearic acid or its salts and the like can be used, for example, as such carriers for tablets, coated tablets, dragees and hard gelatin capsules. Suitable carriers for soft gelatin capsules are, for example, vegetable oils, waxes, fats, semi-solid and liquid polyols and the like; depending on the nature of the active substance no carriers are, however, usually required in the case of soft gelatin capsules. Suitable carriers for the production of solutions and syrups are, for example, water, polyols, sucrose, invert sugar, glucose and the like. Adjuvants, such as alcohols, polyols, glycerol, vegetable oils and the like, can be used for aqueous injection solutions of water-soluble salts of compounds of formula I, but as a rule are not necessary. Suitable carriers for suppositories are, for example, natural or hardened oils, waxes, fats, semi-liquid or liquid polyols and the like.

In addition, the pharmaceutical preparations can contain preservatives, solubilizers, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, flavorants, salts for varying the osmotic pressure, buffers, masking agents or antioxidants. They can also contain still other therapeutically valuable substances.

As mentioned earlier, medicaments containing a compound of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and a therapeutically inert excipient are also an object of the present invention, as is a process for the production of such medicaments which comprises bringing one or more compounds of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and, if desired, one or more other therapeutically valuable substances into a galenical dosage form together with one or more therapeutically inert carriers.

As further mentioned earlier, the use of the compounds of formula I for the preparation of medicaments useful in the prevention and/or the treatment of the above recited diseases is also an object of the present invention.

The dosage can vary within wide limits and will, of course, be fitted to the individual requirements in each particular case. In general, the effective dosage for oral or parenteral administration is between 0.01-20 mg/kg/day, with a dosage of 0.1-10 mg/kg/day being preferred for all of the indications described. The daily dosage for an adult human being weighing 70 kg accordingly lies between 0.7-1400 mg per day, preferably between 7 and 700 mg per day.

Preparation of Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising Compounds of the Invention:

Tablets of the following composition are manufactured in the usual manner:

mg/tablet ingredient 5 25 100 500 Compound of formula I 5 25 100 500 Lactose Anhydrous DTG 125 105 30 150 Sta-Rx 1500 6 6 6 60 Microcrystalline Cellulose 30 30 30 450 Magnesium Stearate 1 1 1 1 Total 167 167 167 831

Manufacturing Procedure

1. Mix ingredients 1, 2, 3 and 4 and granulate with purified water. 2. Dry the granules at 50° C. 3. Pass the granules through suitable milling equipment. 4. Add ingredient 5 and mix for three minutes; compress on a suitable press.

Capsules of the following composition are manufactured:

mg/capsule ingredient 5 25 100 500 Compound of formula I 5 25 100 500 Hydrous Lactose 159 123 148 — Corn Starch 25 35 40 70 Talk 10 15 10 25 Magnesium Stearate 1 2 2 5 Total 200 200 300 600

Manufacturing Procedure

1. Mix ingredients 1, 2 and 3 in a suitable mixer for 30 minutes. 2. Add ingredients 4 and 5 and mix for 3 minutes. 3. Fill into a suitable capsule.

A compound of formula I lactose and corn starch are firstly mixed in a mixer and then in a comminuting machine. The mixture is returned to the mixer; the talc is added thereto and mixed thoroughly. The mixture is filled by machine into suitable capsules, e.g. hard gelatin capsules.

Injection solutions of the following composition are manufactured:

ingredient mg/injection solution. Compound of formula I 3 Polyethylene Glycol 400 150 acetic acid q.s. ad pH 5.0 water for injection solutions ad 1.0 ml

Manufacturing Procedure

A compound of formula I is dissolved in a mixture of Polyethylene Glycol 400 and water for injection (part). The pH is adjusted to 5.0 by acetic acid. The volume is adjusted to 1.0 ml by addition of the residual amount of water. The solution is filtered, filled into vials using an appropriate overage and sterilized.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION Example 1 (8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: 2,6-Difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine

Bis-(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(II)dichloride (826 mg, 1.18 mmol, 0.02 equiv.) was dissolved in 100 ml THF. 2,6-Difluoro-4-iodoaniline (15 g, 58.8 mmol) and phenylacetylene (7.2 g, 7.8 ml, 70.6 mmol, 1.2 equiv.) were added at room temperature. Triethylamine (29.8 g, 41 ml, 0.29 mol, 5 equiv.), triphenylphosphine (617 mg, 2.35 mmol, 0.04 equiv.) and copper(I)iodide (112 mg, 0.58 mmol, 0.01 equiv.) were added and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 60° C.

The reaction mixture was cooled and extracted with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and two times with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were washed three times with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel column eluting with an ethyl acetate:heptane 0:100 to 40:60 gradient. The desired 2,6-difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (12.6 g, 93% yield) was obtained as a yellow solid, MS: m/e=230.1 (M+H⁺).

Step 2: (R,E)-N-(6,7-Dihydroisoquinolin-8(5H)-ylidene)-2-methylpropane-2-sulfinamide

6,7-dihydroisoquinolin-8(5H)-one (1 g, 6.79 mmol) was dissolved in 10 ml THF. (R)-2-Methylpropane-2-sulfinamide (CAS 196929-78-9) (1.24 g, 10.2 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) and titanium(IV) ethoxide (4.65 g, 4.23 ml, 20.4 mmol, 3.0 equiv.) were added and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 65° C. The reaction mixture was cooled and saturated NaHCO₃ solution and ethyl acetate were added. The formed suspension was filtered through celite and the filtrate was extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were washed brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel column eluting with an ethyl acetate:heptane 10:90 to 100:0 gradient. The desired (R,E)-N-(6,7-dihydroisoquinolin-8(5H)-ylidene)-2-methylpropane-2-sulfinamide (1.02 g, 60% yield) was obtained as a yellow solid, MS: m/e=251.2 (M+H⁺).

Step 3: Methyl 2-((S)-8-((R)-1,1-dimethylethylsulfinamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate

Methyl acetate (0.6 g, 0.375 ml, 8.15 mmol, 2 equiv.) was dissolved in 10 ml dry THF and the solution was cooled to −70° C. LDA (2.0 M in THF/heptane/ethylbenzene) (4.07 ml, 8.15 mmol, 2 equiv.) was added drop wise at −75° C. to −65° C. and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at −70° C. Chlorotitanium triisopropoxide (4.25 g, 16.3 mmol, 4 equiv.) dissolved in 10 ml of dry THF was added drop wise at −75° C. to −65° C. and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at −70° C. (R,E)-N-(6,7-dihydroisoquinolin-8(5H)-ylidene)-2-methylpropane-2-sulfinamide (Example 1, step 2) (1.02 g, 4.07 mmol) dissolved in 10 ml of dry THF was added drop wise at −75° C. to −65° C. and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at −70° C. Saturated NaHCO₃ solution was added and the mixture stirred for 10 minutes. Ethyl acetate was added to the formed suspension and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. The formed suspension was filtered through celite and the filtrate was extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were washed brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel column eluting with a dichloromethane:methanol 100:0 to 90:10 gradient. The desired methyl 2-((S)-8-((R)-1,1-dimethylethylsulfinamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate (0.92 g, 70% yield) was obtained as a yellow oil, MS: m/e=325.2 (M+H⁺).

Step 4: (S)-Methyl 2-(8-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate

Methyl 2-((S)-8-((R)-1,1-dimethylethyl sulfinamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate (Example 1, step 3) (920 mg, 2.84 mmol) was dissolved in 10 ml MeOH and HCl (4N in dioxane) (7.1 ml, 28.4 mmol, 10 equiv.) was added. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was evaporated and extracted with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and two times with dichloromethane. The organic layers were combined, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel column eluting with a methanol:dichloromethane 0:100 to 20:80 gradient. The desired (S)-methyl 2-(8-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate (340 mg, 54% yield) was obtained as a yellow oil, MS: m/e=221.2 (M+H⁺).

Step 5: (S)-Methyl 2-(8-(3-(2,6-difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)ureido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate

2,6-Difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (Example 1, step 1) (360 mg, 1.57 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) was dissolved in DMF (4.0 ml) and CDI (255 mg, 1.57 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) was added at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 100° C. To the mixture (S)-methyl 2-(8-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate (Example 1, step 4) (100 mg, 0.50 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) was added and stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was evaporated with Isolute®. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography eluting with an ethyl acetate:heptane 20:80 to 100:0 gradient. The desired (S)-methyl 2-(8-(3-(2,6-difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)ureido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate (300 mg, 40% yield) was obtained as a white solid, MS: m/e=476.3 (M+H⁺).

Step 6: (S)-1′-(2,6-Difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)-6,7-dihydro-1′H,5H-spiro[isoquinoline-8,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H,5′H)-dione

(300 mg, 0.63 mmol) (S)-Methyl 2-(8-(3-(2,6-difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)ureido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yl)acetate (Example 1, step 5) was dissolved in THF (3 ml) and sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil) (38 mg, 0.946 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) was added at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was extracted with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and two times with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The desired (S)-1′-(2,6-difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)-6,7-dihydro-1′H,5H-spiro[isoquinoline-8,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H,5′H)-dione (240 mg, 86% yield) was obtained as a light yellow solid, MS: m/e=444.2 (M+H⁺).

Step 7: (8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

(240 mg, 0.54 mmol) (S)-1′-(2,6-Difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)-6,7-dihydro-1′H,5H-spiro[isoquinoline-8,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H,5′H)-dione (Example 1, step 6) was dissolved in DMF (2 ml) and cesium carbonate (265 mg, 0.81 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) and iodomethane (115 mg, 51 ul, 0.81 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) were added at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was evaporated with Isolute®. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel column eluting with an ethyl acetate:heptane 30:70 to 100:0 gradient. The desired (8S)-3′-[2,6-difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (37 mg, 15% yield) was obtained as a light yellow oil, MS: m/e=458.3 (M+H⁺).

Example 2 (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-tetralin]-2,4-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(1-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a yellow liquid, MS: m/e=220.1 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one.

Step 2: 2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]aniline

The title compound was obtained as a light brown solid, MS: m/e=231.1 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 1 from 2,6-difluoro-4-iodoaniline and 3-ethynylpyridine.

Step 3: (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-tetralin]-2,4-dione

The title compound was obtained as a light yellow solid, MS: m/e=458.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]aniline (Example 2, step 2) and (S)-methyl 2-(1-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetate (Example 2, step 1).

Example 3 (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-indane]-2,4-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(1-amino-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a yellow liquid, MS: m/e=206.1 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one.

Step 2: (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-indane]-2,4-dione

The title compound was obtained as a light yellow solid, MS: m/e=444.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]aniline (Example 2, step 2) and (S)-methyl 2-(1-amino-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)acetate (Example 3, step 1).

Example 4 (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydrocyclopenta[b]pyridine-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(5-amino-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[b]pyridin-5-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a brown oil, MS: m/e=207.1 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[b]pyridin-5-one.

Step 2: (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydrocyclopenta[b]pyridine-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a light brown solid, MS: m/e=444.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (Example 1, step 1) and (S)-methyl 2-(5-amino-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[b]pyridin-5-yl)acetate (Example 4, step 1).

Example 5 (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolin-5-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a yellow oil, MS: m/e=221.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 7,8-dihydroquinolin-5(6H)-one.

Step 2: (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white solid, MS: m/e=458.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (Example 1, step 1) and (S)-methyl 2-(5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolin-5-yl)acetate (Example 5, step 1).

Example 6 (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-isoquinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-5-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a yellow oil, MS: m/e=221.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 7,8-dihydroisoquinolin-5(6H)-one.

Step 2: (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-isoquinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a brown foam, MS: m/e=458.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (Example 1, step 1) and (S)-methyl 2-(5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolin-5-yl)acetate (Example 6, step 1).

Example 7 (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinazoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolin-5-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a yellow solid, MS: m/e=222.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 7,8-dihydro-6H-quinazolin-5-one.

Step 2: (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinazoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white solid, MS: m/e=459.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (Example 1, step 1) and (S)-methyl 2-(5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolin-5-yl)acetate (Example 7, step 1).

Example 8 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[chromane-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(4-aminochroman-4-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a light yellow oil, MS: m/e=205.1 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from chroman-4-one.

Step 2: (S)-1′-(2,6-Difluoro-4-iodophenyl)-3′-methyl-1′H-spiro[chroman-4,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H,5′H)-dione

The title compound was obtained as a light brown solid, MS: m/e=485.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-iodoaniline and (S)-methyl 2-(4-aminochroman-4-yl)acetate (Example 8, step 1).

Step 2: (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[chromane-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a yellow solid, MS: m/e=460.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 1 starting from (S)-1′-(2,6-difluoro-4-iodophenyl)-3′-methyl-1′H-spiro[chroman-4,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H,5′H)-dione (Example 8, step 2) and 3-ethynylpyridine.

Example 9 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[2,3-dihydropyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(4-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a light yellow oil, MS: m/e=223.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 2H-pyrano[2,3-b]pyridin-4(3H)-one.

Step 2: (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[2,3-dihydropyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white solid, MS: m/e=460.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (Example 1, step 1) and (S)-methyl 2-(4-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl)acetate (Example 9, step 1).

Example 10 (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,4′-isochromane]-2,4-dione

Step 1: (S)-Methyl 2-(4-aminoisochroman-4-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a light yellow oil, MS: m/e=222.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from isochroman-4-one.

Step 2: (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,4′-isochromane]-2,4-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white solid, MS: m/e=460.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]aniline (Example 2, step 2) and (S)-methyl 2-(4-aminoisochroman-4-yl)acetate (Example 10, step 1).

Example 11 (8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-ethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a yellow oil, MS: m/e=472.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 7 starting from (S)-1′-(2,6-difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)-6,7-dihydro-1′H,5H-spiro[isoquinoline-8,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H, 5′H)-dione (Example 1, step 6) and iodoethane.

Example 12 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

Step 1: 2-((2-(Trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-6,7-dihydro-2H-indazol-4(5H)-one

6,7-Dihydro-2H-indazol-4(5H)-one (CAS 912259-10-0) (1.46 g, 10.7 mmol) was dissolved in THF (15 ml) and cooled to 0-5° C. Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil) (450 mg, 11.3 mmol, 1.05 equiv.) was added carefully in portions and the mixture was stirred for 60 minutes at room temperature. The reaction mixture was cooled again to 0-5° C. and (2-(chloromethoxy)ethyl)trimethylsilane (2.28 ml, 2.15 g, 12.9 mmol, 1.2 equiv.) was added and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was extracted carefully with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and twice with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The desired 2-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-6,7-dihydro-2H-indazol-4(5H)-one (quant. yield) was obtained as a yellow oil, MS: m/e=267.2 (M+H⁺).

Step 2: (S)-Methyl 2-(4-amino-2-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-indazol-4-yl)acetate

The title compound was obtained as a yellow oil, MS: m/e=341.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 2, 3 and 4 starting from 2-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-6,7-dihydro-2H-indazol-4(5H)-one (Example 12, step 1) by stirring the cleavage step with HCl just 10 minutes instead of 1 hour.

Step 3: (S)-1′-(2,6-Difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)-3′-methyl-2-((2-(trimethyl silyl)ethoxy)methyl)-2,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1′H-spiro[indazole-4,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H,5′H)-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white foam, MS: m/e=577.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 5, 6 and 7 starting from 2,6-difluoro-4-phenylethynyl-phenylamine (Example 1, step 1) and (S)-methyl 2-(4-amino-2-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-indazol-4-yl)acetate (Example 12, step 2).

Step 4: (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white foam, MS: m/e=447.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 4 by stirring the reaction for 16 hours at room temperature starting from (S)-1′-(2,6-difluoro-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)-3′-methyl-2-((2-(trimethyl silyl)ethoxy)methyl)-2,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1′H-spiro[indazole-4,4′-pyrimidine]-2′,6′(3′H,5′H)-dione (Example 12, step 3).

Example 13 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2-dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-indazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a yellow solid, MS: m/e=461.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 7 starting from (4S)-3′-[2,6-difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (Example 12) and iodomethane using a Reprosil Chiral NR® column with heptane:ethanol 60:40 as solvent for the separation of the two formed isomers.

Example 14 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′-dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-indazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a light yellow solid, MS: m/e=461.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 7 starting from (4S)-3′-[2,6-difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (Example 12) and iodomethane using a Reprosil Chiral NR® column with heptane:ethanol 60:40 as solvent for the separation of the two formed isomers.

Example 15 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-cyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white solid, MS: m/e=461.3 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 12 starting from 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-cyclohepta[c]pyrazol-4-one (CAS 115215-89-9) instead of 6,7-dihydro-2H-indazol-4(5H)-one.

Example 16 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′-dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white solid, MS: m/e=475.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 7 starting from (4S)-3′-[2,6-difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-cyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (Example 15) and iodomethane using a chiral column (Reprosil Chiral NR® with heptane:ethanol 60:40 as solvent) for the separation of the two formed isomers.

Example 17 (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2-dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione

The title compound was obtained as a white foam, MS: m/e=475.2 (M+H⁺), using chemistry similar to that described in Example 1, step 7 starting from (4S)-3′-[2,6-difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-cyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (Example 15) and iodomethane using a chiral column (Reprosil Chiral NR® with heptane:ethanol 60:40 as solvent) for the separation of the two formed isomers. 

1. A compound of formula I

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl; R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group may be in different positions; n is 0, 1 or 2; V/U are independently from each other O or CH₂, wherein V and U cannot be simultaneously O; L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof.
 2. A compound of formula IA according to claim 1,

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl; R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group may be in different positions; L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof.
 3. A compound of formula IA according to claim 2, selected from the group consisting of (8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-tetralin]-2,4-dione (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-isoquinoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[7,8-dihydro-6H-quinazoline-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (8S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-ethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-isoquinoline-8,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2-dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-indazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione and (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′-dimethyl-spiro[6,7-dihydro-5H-indazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.
 4. A compound of formula IB according to claim 1,

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl; R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group may be in different positions; L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof.
 5. A compound of formula IB according to claim 4, which is (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,1′-indane]-2,4-dione or (5S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[6,7-dihydrocyclopenta[b]pyridine-5,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.
 6. A compound of formula IC according to claim 1,

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl; R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group may be in different positions; L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof.
 7. A compound of formula IC according to claim 6, which is (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[chromane-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione or (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[2,3-dihydropyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.
 8. A compound of formula ID according to claim 1,

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl; R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group may be in different positions; L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof.
 9. A compound of formula ID according to claim 8, wherein the compound is (6S)-3-[2,6-Difluoro-4-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]phenyl]-1-methyl-spiro[hexahydropyrimidine-6,4′-isochromane]-2,4-dione.
 10. A compound of formula IE according to claim 1,

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl; R² is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein the N atom in the pyridinyl group may be in different positions; L is a five or six membered heteroaryl group, selected from

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid addition salt, a racemic mixture, or its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer and/or stereoisomer thereof.
 11. A compound of formula IE according to claim 10, selected from the group consisting of (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′-methyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-cyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1,1′-dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione and (4S)-3′-[2,6-Difluoro-4-(2-phenylethynyl)phenyl]-1′,2-dimethyl-spiro[5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-4,6′-hexahydropyrimidine]-2′,4′-dione.
 12. A process for the manufacture of a compound of formula I according to claim 1, which process comprises b) alkylating a compound of formula I-1

where substituents are as described in claim 1, with R¹—I in the presence of NaH or Cs₂CO₃ in DMF to form a compound of formula I

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl and other substituents are as described above, and, optionally, converting the compound obtained into a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I according to claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 14. A method for the treatment of a condition selected from Parkinson's disease, anxiety, emesis, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism, neuroprotection, cancer, depression and diabetes type 2, the method comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 1 to a mammal in need. 